On Oct. 5, the United States Food and Drug Administration approved a drug called Aristada, an injection given every four to six weeks designed to treat adults suffering from schizophrenia, as two and a half million Americans age 18 and older do.
Schizophrenia is an illness that is extremely widespread throughout America. The mental condition is caused by an imbalance between neurotransmitters called glutamate and dopamine in the brain. Although mostly genetic, schizophrenia can be attributed to environmental factors as well.
“Noncompliance is a major reason that neuroleptic drugs are not more effective in keeping people with schizophrenia out of the hospital. Noncompliance accounts for about 40% of all relapse,” Peter Weiden, a doctor who deals specifically with schizophrenic patients, said.
Before Aristada, there were other treatment methods for Schizophrenia. Unfortunately, an estimated 40% of schizophrenic people go untreated every year. This new drug may help lower that number significantly.
A recurring issue with schizophrenic medication is making sure patients continue to stay medicated, and there are not enough medical professionals to do so. That is a large reason why Aristada has the potential to impact schizophrenic patients to a large degree; the drug is administered every four to six weeks, not daily as many medications are.
An important factor to the treatment of schizophrenia is the diversification of available medicine. As seen with patients, the broader the range to choose from, the more effective. Although Aristada is not a miracle drug, it is crucial that treatment continue to be manufactured to further assist schizophrenic patients.
“Having a variety of treatment options and dosage forms available for patients with mental illness is important so that a treatment plan can be tailored to meet the patient’s needs,” Mitchell Mathis, director of the Division of Psychiatry Products in the FDA, said.
Aristada will undoubtedly have an impact on schizophrenic patients; if it will be significant in improving their lives is yet to be seen.
For more information on the illness, visit the National Institute of Mental Health website.
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